This can be the hardest part of styling, but picking a color palette is key to achieving the look you want for your photos. Think about how you want your photos to feel, how they will look hanging on the walls of your home. Are you drawn toward a calming color palette? Then doing a mix of muted blues, greens, and browns, might be perfect for you.

Neutrals keep all of the outfits in the same color family making for a timeless look that is super easy to do. The best part? You don’t have to perfectly match! Put the whole family in a range of creams, whites, and light tans, and you’ve got a winning look. It’s really hard to go wrong when you choose a neutral color palette.

If a bold color palette is more your style, all I have to say is go for it! This can make for really unique photos that give more of a playful vibe. Just be careful to avoid doing too many loud prints or clashing colors. One or two prints within the same range of colors is best. I love a bold look always. This is a perfect time to bring out your wide leg pants, colorful matching sets, and funky accessories.

If you fall somewhere in between neutrals and a bold color palette, then doing a combination of muted tones is the perfect option. Choose 4-5 colors for your palette and keep the whole family within that range. I suggest choosing one color as your foundation and then layering complimentary tones around it.

There’s a way to tie everyone’s outfit together that isn’t you all being in matching plaid shirts. As cute as that may be, let’s mix it up a bit. Pattern mixing can be done seamlessly by following a few general rules:

Keep the patterns smaller and more intricate. Bigger patterns draw the eye’s attention and doesn’t let go. They take away from the beauty of the photo as a whole. Plus, they are really hard to coordinate with.

Don’t put everyone in a pattern, matching or otherwise. When everyone is in a pattern, it doesn’t allow for the eye to rest, making the photo too busy. If you’re a family of five, no more than two family members should be in print.

Pull colors from the prints for the other members of the family to wear. Remember that 4-5 number I talked about for the color palette? Those prints are wear you find those colors! This helps tie together the look as a whole and makes for a beautifully elevated look.

We’ve got your outfits down, now let’s take your photos to the next level and make them uniquely yours with some props. They can help tell a story and add interest to any photo.

Bring your little one’s favorite stuffed animal, and I’ll catch him giving it a tight squeeze or soaring it around like it’s a rocket ship. Bring bubbles and we’ll have fun chasing them all over to try and pop one. Dress them in your sweater or dad's jacket to play a game of tag or peek-a-boo.

I will have ladders, chairs, and wood blocks to bring is dimensions/layers when posing. The florals are another great way to elevate the overall look and experience. They add color and beauty, and can bring in editorial vibes.

Props can also be as simple as the accessories you wear. With a hat, you can hold it by your side, hide behind it, or grab at the brim. Wrap a scarf tightly around your shoulders, let it hang down and graze your lower back, or play hide and seek with your baby.

The options for props are endless and so are the ways they can be utilized.

Now for the really fun part! Don't be afraid to go one step further to really elevate your experience and deepen the creativity.

Let's make it editorial. Don’t be afraid to show some skin! I’m ready to hype you up and make you feel like the goddess you are. Pair lounge under garments with a large sweater or jacket and nurse your baby amidst the sea of flowers. Show off that cut little baby butt accompanied by their cute little baby rolls. Nibbling their tiny toes is always encouraged and accepted.

Maybe rock an all denim set, or maybe you want to color block— designating everyone to their own color for the day! The options are endless.

If you already have an idea of your own, that’s great too! Or if you just know you want to do something different but aren’t sure what, let’s come up with something together! As an artist, photography is my outlet. I love any chance to get super creative. When there’s space to play into wild trends or explore new looks it allows me to do some of my best work — I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Tamara Holden | @tamaraholdenhair
Alex Brown | @spacebyalexbrown
Katie | @katyasladhair
Emily | @emilyraebridalhair
Elizabeth Scott | @elizabethscottcompany
Melody | @collectivelymel
Tamara | @tamaramakeup
Kylie | @kyliejordanartistry

Erika | @erikaalexisbeauty
America | @makeupbyamericaf
Tricia Clarke | @triciaclarkemakeup
Bryana | @bryjeanartistry
Tamara | @tamaramakeup
Kylie | @kyliejordanartistry

Mai Aesthetic | @mai_aesthetic_design

Maiya is a close friend and confidant. She is extremely talented at all things fashion and design. Her family's outfits are always on point no matter the time of year or the scene. If you need more hands on help with styling yourself and your family I cannot recommend her enough!